St.Patrick’s Day in Barbados – Bajan Accents an’ ‘ting!

Today is St.Patrick’s Day and here in Barbados, we take our celebrations seriously!

Did you know: the Irish have greatly influenced the culture and heritage of Barbados?

A long time ago

After the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, the Irish clan system was abolished and thousands of Irish prisoners of war were shipped to colonies in the United States and the West Indies. From 1652-1657 more than 50,000 were sent to Barbados. Here, they became known as ‘Red legs’, hinting at the sunburns on their fair, Celtic skin.

An Irish family in Barbados. Source: irishcentral.com

Today

We can hear the influence of the Irish in our Barbadian lyrical accents and dialect, (Counting, “One, two, tree”)

We feel it in our communities, celebrations and our music.

Check out this interview and tell us the accent doesn’t remind you of a little Caribbean island!

So in celebration of the Patron Saint of Ireland, and the influence of the Irish on what has become a unique culture known as Bajan, join us at The Mews for St Patricks Day!